EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST

SUMMARY:
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Woodstock, Cape Town | R60 000 per month

When labour relations get complex, are you the person others turn to?
If you can handle tough conversations, navigate union engagements and confidently represent an employer at the CCMA, this opportunity deserves your attention.
We are looking for an experienced Employment Relations Specialist who combines sound labour law knowledge with practical judgement. Someone who can guide managers through sensitive matters, resolve disputes and build constructive working relationships while maintaining fair, consistent employment practices.
This role offers scope to put your expertise into action—from disciplinary matters and dispute resolution to collective agreements, consultation processes and identifying labour risks before they escalate.

POSITION INFO:
Key responsibilities: Provide practical employment relations advice to management, HR teams and employees. Guide disciplinary, grievance, incapacity and dismissal processes, ensuring procedural and substantive fairness. Support union engagements, consultations and preparation for negotiations. Draft, interpret and assist with implementing recognition, substantive and collective agreements. Represent the employer at the CCMA and assist with matters before bargaining councils and other dispute resolution forums. Prepare case files, evidence, formal correspondence and documentation for conciliation and arbitration proceedings. Identify labour risks, recurring disputes and emerging trends, and recommend appropriate action. Facilitate employee engagement and clear communication on industrial relations matters. Review disciplinary policies and procedures for alignment with applicable legislation and operational requirements. Maintain accurate case records and contribute to monthly employment relations reporting. Work closely with the Employment Relations Manager on complex cases and collective labour matters. What you need to bring A minimum of 5-7 years' relevant employment or industrial relations experience in fishing, maritime, FMCG, manufacturing or food processing. Proven experience in a unionized operational environment . Hands-on experience managing disciplinary matters, grievances, consultations and labour disputes. Experience representing employers at the CCMA , including preparing documentation for dispute resolution and arbitration. Experience drafting collective and recognition agreements and supporting union consultation processes. A completed three-year degree in Industrial Relations, Labor Relations, Law or a related field . A postgraduate qualification in Labor Law or dispute resolution . Relevant training in CCMA processes, bargaining council proceedings or chairing disciplinary enquiries. Strong working knowledge of South African labour legislation, including the Labor Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, relevant codes of good practice and bargaining council agreements. Own transport and willingness to travel to operational sites. What will set you apart You remain composed under pressure, communicate clearly and approach sensitive matters with discretion. You can assess the facts, prepare a sound case and give managers advice they can confidently act on. Above all, you understand that effective employment relations require both legal knowledge and the ability to work constructively with people. Ready to bring your expertise to the table? Apply with your CV, highlighting your union engagement, CCMA representation and relevant industry experience.